Patient Fact Sheets

The following fact sheets are available for viewing and downloading. They have been developed and/or approved by ODA Dentists and are designed for educational use only; they are not intended to replace advice from your dentist or other health-care professionals.

Oral Cancer

Premalignant Oral LesionsA routine part of an oral examination should be inspection not only of the teeth and gums but also of the soft tissues in and around the mouth. Dentists look for abnormal changes that are loosely called "lesions." Reprinted with permission of The American Academy of Oral Medicine.

Oral MucositisThis fact sheet looks at painful mouth sores, known as oral mucositis, which may develop as a result of cancer treatment.

Mouth Problems + HIVThis fact sheet is for people who have mouth (oral) problems related to HIV infection. It explains the most common oral problems linked to HIV and shows what they look like. It also describes where in the mouth they occur and how they are treated. Reprinted with permission by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Herpes Simplex Virus Infection (Cold Sores and Fever Blisters)Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a very common and easily transmitted virus. In fact, 80% or more of people have been infected with herpes simplex virus-1. Most of the time, the first infection is associated with few or no symptoms, but sometimes primary herpes simplex virus infection can produce mild to severe pain and difficulty in swallowing. Reprinted with permission of The American Academy of Oral Medicine.

Tobacco Cessation

Oral Changes Associated with Tobacco UseThe oral changes from tobacco use range from harmless soft tissue changes to a life-threatening oral cancer. Some of the more common of these are discussed in this fact sheet. Reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Oral Medicine.

Tobacco UseThis fact sheet lists some common questions and concerns about quitting tobacco. Reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Oral Medicine.

Why Quitting Smoking is ImportantThis fact sheet offers a brief discussion of some of the many links between smoking and systemic diseases. Reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Oral Medicine.